Can I add fluorite sand on top of gravel to a established aquarium with fish on it?

Question

I have a planted 30 gallon tank, which I love with exception of the ugly colored light and dark blue gravel. I really like how black sand looks, and I found black fluorite sand online which is supposed to help plant growth, but can I add it to my existing tank? Here's the link to the sand:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578 4870&pcatid=4870

How would I add sand to the aquarium? I'm not planning on completely replacing the gravel, just adding the sand on top of it. How can I make sure to add the sand in a way that the fish won't be affected (a dozen neon tetras, 2 bolivian rams, and panda cory), and will it get cloudy?

Thanks a bunch. :]

Answer 1

yes it should. Good luck on your fish tank.

Answer 2

I have found with seachem fluorite that it is so fine it will filter down through and you will end up with your blue gravel on top.

I mixed fluorite with seachem onyx sand (black) and in a short while I had 2 distinct layers with fluorite on bottom and sand on top.

Another good look is  fluorite on bottom and black gravel on top.

Take some used gravel and put in nylon hose and lay in aquarium until bacteria builds back up in sand.

Yes it will be cloudy for a while.

Answer 3

Adding the sand shouldn't be a big deal. The best thing to do is remove your fish as if you were performing a water change, siphon off some of the water, add the sand, let the sediment settle, then add new water and re-introduce the fish. If you simply poor the sand in there, the sediment may kill your fish or cause them other health problems.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Personally I would take out all the gravel and completely replace it with the sand. I have mixed sand and gravel before and it didn't look that great. You will need to rinse the sand very well until the water runs clear, to prevent as much clouding in the aquarium as possible. Then just use a clean cup or container and gently lower it into the tank and slowly dump it where you need it. Fluorite will have the most affect for your plants if it is at the roots of the plants, so while you are adding the sand, just gently mix it in the gravel around each plant. I know the seachem fluorite black sand is gorgeous, but rather expensive :)